Black Country boxing supremo hopes to claim a win double

DEAN Powell, experienced Black Country manager, coach, trainer and matchmaker is keyed up for the most critical weekend of his boxing career.

DEAN Powell, experienced Black Country manager, coach, trainer and matchmaker is keyed up for the most critical weekend of his boxing career.

Next Friday he takes Darren McDermott into the ring in Coventry for the toughest fight of his life - a challenge against Birmingham's Wayne Elcock for the British middleweight title.

The following night he takes Amir Khan into the ring at the Birmingham NIA where the champion defends his Commonwealth crown against Manchester's Michael Gomez.

Both are must-win nights for the likeable Powell.

He has guided McDermott to a massive opportunity and is confident that his protege will rise to the huge occasion - the biggest fight between two Midlanders ever seen in the Midlands.

Powell said: "Darren is ready. He is fit. He is confident and he knows what he has to do to become the next champion.

"Frankly, in terms of preparation, everything has been done. We have not left a stone unturned. If it doesn't work out there will be no excuses from any of us.

"The fight is critical for both lads as to their futures, but one swallow doesn't make a summer.

"The biggest winner of this fight is going to be Birmingham and Black Country boxing. The fans who turn up for it will be in for a treat.

"Both fighters are desperate to show that they are top dog. Neither will take a step back. It is going to be fantastic," he added.

The following night being in the Khan corner as trainer could have a massive bearing on his own future.

Powell, who was Khan's cut man, was elevated to full-time trainer for this critical fight when

a change in the position was felt necessary.

Naturally he would like the job full time, and the highly professional Khan camp will look at the situation after the NIA outing a decide what is best for the potential world champion.

Powell said: "I am like a caretaker manager and of course I would like to continue full-time.

"I have worked with Amir in Bolton for this fight and it has gone very well indeed. I have made a couple of small adjustments but apart from that there is no point in trying to fix something that is working well.

"His team are very professional with each person knowing what is

expected of them and there are no crossovers.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I would like it to continue."

Birmingham flyweight Don Broadhurst is in action on the Khan undercard against Frenchman Alan Bonnell.

And he will have almost 1,000 Brummie fans cheering him on for his first appearance in the city as a professional.

He said: "The last time I boxed in Birmingham was seven years ago when I was 17.

"I have sold over 850 tickets and I want to give all of those fans a treat. I want to win in style so that they will keep on supporting me." ..SUPL: